DESCRIPTION: This is a 6-unit required methods seminar for all PhD students in Practical Theology; at the 500-level, the 4-unit course is offered to a limited number of master's-level students (no more than 5) as approved by the professor. This course introduces students to a wide range of social science research methods in order to prepare them to work with these methods within a practical theological modality, or provide such an introduction suitable for any theologically oriented inquirer. Students are expected to become familiar enough with major research protocols, methods, and strategies to be able to proficiently analyze and critique the design, implementation, results reporting, interpretations, conclusions, and limitations of any social science research. There will also be training on the Schools of Theology/Intercultural Studies Human Subjects Review processes. In addition, each student will design and implement a qualitative research project and present their results to the class. Because of the unique pedagogical issues of this course, the schedule will consist of four five-hour classes throughout the quarter in Pasadena, two three-hour classes via Fuller Live, and one day (seven hours) at the Museum of Tolerance.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: For researchers, faculty, and ministry practitioners it is vital to be able to critically understand, interpret, and critique a wide variety of research methods. In addition, while this course will offer an abbreviated opportunity to actually engage in a qualitative research project, the great benefit of this course will be to bring the student into the community of academic research. The value of the course lies in becoming a proficient scholar in how research impacts our understanding of the context we have been called to serve.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: understanding of the basic parameters and essence of academic research, especially as it relates to the practice of and preparation for ministry. Skills: increased ability to understand, interpret, critique, and employ a wide variety of research methods. Conative: awareness of the necessity for careful and sound research. It is expected that the student will be able to describe and defend a thorough assessment, analysis, and critique of research methodologies in the service of the kingdom of God.

SEMINAR FORMAT: The seminar will meet according to the following schedule for 34 hours of class:

• October 1 and 15 (8:00 a.m.-12:50 p.m., with professor in Pasadena)

• October 9 and 23 (3:00-5:50 p.m., in Pasadena classroom via Fuller Live)

• November 1 (1:00-5:50 p.m., with professor in Pasadena, with DMin students as subjects)

• November 5 (8:00 a.m.-2:50 p.m., at the Museum of Tolerance)

• December 3 (1:00-5:50 p.m., with professor in Pasadena)

+ Read at least two Christian books that claim to be based on academic research, for example, UnChristian, Kinnaman (256 pp.); Hurt 2.0, Clark (264 pp.); others need permission of instructor.

* Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd ed. Sage, 2009. ISBN: 978-1412965576, 296 pp., $75.

**Denzin, Norman K., and Yvonna S. Lincoln, eds. The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. 3rd ed. Sage, 2011. ISBN: 978-141297417, 784 pp., $150.

   Fowler, Floyd J., Jr. Survey Research Methods (Applied Social Research Methods). 4th ed. Sage, 2008. ISBN: 978-1412958417, 216 pp., $49.

+*Miller-McLemore, Bonnie J. The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology. Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. ISBN: 978-1444330823, 640 pp., $200.

* Scharen, Christian, and Anna Marie Vigen, eds. Ethnography as Christian Theology and Ethics. London/New York: Continuum International, 2011. ISBN: 978-1441155450 (pbk.), 238 pp., $29.95.

   Rubin, Herbert J., and Irene S. Rubin. Qualitative Interviewing: The Art of Hearing Data. 3rd ed. Sage, 2011. ISBN: 978-1412978378, 288 pp., $60.

+*Swinton, John, and Harriet Mowat. Practical Theology and Qualitative Research. SCM Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0334029809, 278 pp., $35.

Wertz, Frederick J., and Kathy Charmaz et al. Five Ways of Doing Qualitative Analysis: Phenomenological Psychology, Grounded Theory, Discourse Analysis, Narrative Research, and Intuitive Inquiry. The Guilford Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1609181420, 434 pp., $55.

Other papers and videos will be posted on Moodle.

It is assumed that students are familiar with a standard guide to writing research papers, such as Wayne Booth et al., The Craft of Research (2nd ed.; University of Chicago Press, 2003).

1. Read assignments as scheduled; interact on web as required; keep a reading log for submission; arrive ready to discuss readings.

2. For 1 of the 4 main textbooks, write a 600-800 word paper that summarizes the conceptual framework.

3. Choose three articles and present analysis and critiques of methodology (MDiv/MA, only 1 article).

4. By October 15 turn in a summary of the qualitative research project you choose, providing a 2-page outline that includes population, research question, method, and null hypothesis.

5. Provide a class presentation describing your study according to the template presented in class.

6. PhD/ThM students write a 10,000-word paper; MA/MDiv students write a 3,000-word paper.